The Ivatt LMS 10000 diesel re-creation project

The presentation consisted of two parts. The first covered the early history of diesel locomotives in the UK pre WW2 and the building of the two LMS Diesels and their use on the main line. The second half looked at the history of the LMS 10000 Diesel Recreation project up to the present.

The first diesel locomotives in the UK were built for the LMS Railway in 1936 using English Electric Diesel engines and electric transmission. These were the forerunners of the venerable Class 08 shunters some of which are still in use. Following the end of WW2, HG Ivatt had the first two mainline diesel locomotives designed and built for the then LNER.  The first one, 10000 was completed and launched at the end of 1947 to make sure that it was an LMS locomotive! The second locomotive 10001 was completed in 1948 and they were designed to operate singly or in multiple . Following commissioning they were used on a variety of services on the Midland Region and for a period on the Southern Region when there was a locomotive shortage. The most notable achievement was on the London to Glasgow service when they could do a return trip in one day and also significantly reduce the journey time. Both locos were scrapped in 1968 having spent a number of years out of use.

The project to recreate 10000 started in 2011. An early success was the discovery of an original English Electric 16SVT engine which had been built for an expected order from Egyptian Railways which didn’t happen and was acquired by the MOD. A Class 58 Loco was acquired to create the chassis. Following a period of slow progress three of the original trustees left and the current Chairman took over. Major progress has been the acquisition of a building at Winksworth for storage and use as a workshop. In addition equipment has been purchased to enable work to be carried out in house. Two EM2 bogies have been acquired which had been returned from Holland following the withdrawal of the EM2 locos. These are very similar to the originals. The condition of the traction motors needs to be assessed and a decision made on whether to subcontract the overhaul of the bogies or carry it out in house.  Externally the locomotive will look like the original but components will have come from a variety of other locomotives. It is intended to be used on preserved railways and not the main line.

This was a very interesting presentation and highlighted how much influence these locomotives influenced the first generation of Diesel Electric locomotives in particular the Class 40 and the class 50 their successors on the London to Glasgow services.

Thanks to Tony Ellershaw for a very interesting presentation.